New York has been amazing so far... I've been so lucky to do so many amazing things. Amongst those was attending the opening night party for the Duncan Phyfe show at the Met. While stumbling mesmerized around the exhibit, I rounded a corner and made eye contact with the above gentleman, John Laurence Manning. I quickly realized that I knew him from his South Carolina plantation, Milford, now owned by Dick Jenrette. A number of Duncan Phyfe pieces original to Milford were included in the show as part of illustrating Phyfe's later exploration of Gothic and French restoration motifs.
I loved everything, specifically Phyfe's pieces from the 1820s and 30s... here are some of my favorites
A sampling of Phyfe consoles... it's hard to choose a favorite, but those ebonized and gilt griffins are particularly amazing.
A deconstructed example illustating how Phyfe used bolts from beds to attach the legs of the console. I really enjoyed the simplicity and honesty of this piece... and the antique mirror was pretty great too.
This table takes it... original finish, a stained marble top... what more could a boy ask for? When the exhibition is over this piece can definitely find refuge in my apartment.
